Fairfax City, Virginia – Christopher Bruno, Economic Development Director, Fairfax City Economic Development, has been announced as a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.

“The purpose-driven work of economic development plays a vital role in communities around the world, and much of it is led by young professionals,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are contributing their creativity, dedication and leadership to make a tremendous impact in their communities and our industry as a whole, and I so look forward to what lies ahead in their careers.”

“Under Chris’s leadership the Economic Development team has grown significantly in size, scope, and importance. Fairfax City Economic Development has been responsible for successfully overseeing our COVID-19 business response programs, the redevelopment of publicly owned property to a higher and better use, the relocation of our city’s incubator, the attraction and retention of a number of core businesses, and the development and deployment of unique and innovative pilot programs,” said Robert Stalzer, City Manager of the City of Fairfax. “Chris has been intensely focused on the cultivation of partnerships, including those with our neighboring colleges and universities, such as George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, which has allowed him to leverage many opportunities to elevate Fairfax City Economic Development regionally and nationally.

Full press release available here.